Analies Dyjak, M.A.  |  Research Analyst
**Updated July 7, 2022 to include current available data

For Hydroviv’s assessment of Los Angeles tap water, we aggregated water quality test data from LADWP, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as well as from samples that we collect and analyze. We cross reference these data with toxicity studies in the scientific and medical literature, and look at upcoming regulatory changes. The custom water filters that we offer in Los Angeles are optimized with this research in mind.

Source Of Los Angeles Drinking Water

Los Angeles receives water from several sources. In 2021, the Los Angeles Aqueduct (LAA) supplied 12 percent of the water that was treated at the Los Angeles Aqueduct Filtration Plant. Purchased imported water from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD), sourced from the State Water Project and Colorado River Aqueduct amounted to 73 percent. The remaining water supply was sourced from local groundwater at 12 percent and recycled water at 3 percent.

High Levels Of Lead In Los Angeles Drinking Water

Lead enters Los Angeles' drinking and tap water through older lead service pipes and lead-containing plumbing. When corrosion control measures put in place by the municipality fail (like what recently happened in Flint, Michigan), lead leaches into the drinking water, and can reach dangerous levels. Currently,10% of LA water quality samples analyzed for lead are over 5 parts per billion. While in compliance with very loose federal regulations, EPA, CDC and American Academy Of Pediatrics all acknowledge that there is no safe level of lead for children.

High Levels Of Chromium 6 In Los Angeles Drinking Water

Chromium 6 is a highly toxic metal that is not regulated by the EPA. According to the most recent report, maximum Chromium 6 levels in Los Angeles drinking water were reported at 2.8 parts per billion. For the sake of perspective, Chromium 6 levels in LA's water quality are 140 times higher than the 0.02 parts per billion concentration determined to have negligible impact on cancer risk.

PFAS in Los Angeles Drinking Water

Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are a category of emerging contaminants commonly used in firefighting foam, Teflon, non-stick surfaces, stain-resistant surfaces, and food packaging. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) has determined that PFAS exposure is associated with various adverse health effects, including an increased risk of cancer, lowered fertility rates, and developmental issues in infants and young children. 

PFAS were detected at locations in and around Los Angeles, including several municipal water companies, the Airport Industrial Park in Los Angeles, and the Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos. Total PFAS levels ranged from  these locations ranged from 56 ppt to 933 ppt. Not all water filters are designed to remove PFAS from tap water. If you'd like to find water filters that remove PFAS from tap water, check out this Duke/NC State PFAS study. Hydroviv filters are NSF/ANSI Standard 53 certified for PFOA/PFOS removal.

Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs) In Los Angeles’ Drinking Water

DBPs are a category of emerging contaminants that form when chlorine-based disinfectants react with naturally-occurring organic matter. EPA regulates two categories of DBPs: Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs) and Haloacetic Acids (HAA5). The EPA has stated that DBPs have been associated with increased risk of bladder cancer as well as kidney, liver, and central nervous system problems. In 2021, Haloacetic Acid levels in Los Angeles were as high as 13 parts per billion, compared to the EPA Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 60 parts per billion, while Total Trihalomethane levels were as high as 48 parts per billion, compared to the EPA MCL of 80 parts per billion.

Arsenic In Los Angeles Drinking Water

Arsenic is a naturally occurring hazardous heavy metal that can cause cancer and other health problems. 2021 Arsenic levels were reported to be as high as 2 ppb. While Los Angeles' Arsenic levels were not in violation of EPA water quality standards, consumers should know that the U.S. EPA's standard balances toxicity against the costs of removing arsenic from drinking water. We strongly suggest that tap water with levels higher than 1 part per billion be treated to remove arsenic, especially in homes with children.

Still Have Questions About Los Angeles Tap Water?

Hydroviv is a water filtration company that uses water quality data to optimize water filters for each customer's water. The contaminants that we list above are what we consider to be major “points of emphasis” that we use to build water filters that are built specifically for Los Angeles, but our filters provide broad protection against a wide range of contaminants.

If you’re interested in learning more about water filters that have been optimized for LA tap water, or just have questions about water quality in general, feel free to visit www.hydroviv.com, reach out by email (hello@hydroviv.com) or through our live chat. We also frequently post water-related news on Twitter or Facebook.  We pride ourselves in being a reputable source of information on water quality, and your questions will be answered by scientists, not salespeople (we don't have any salespeople).

Please Share This Los Angeles Water Quality Article On Social Media With Anyone You Think Would Benefit From The Information!

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Kezia Snipe  |  Hydroviv Research Analyst

**Updated July 2021 to include most recent water quality info

For Hydroviv’s city of Glendale water quality assessment, we aggregated water quality test data from City of Glendale Water and Power, the city’s water provider, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as well as from samples that we collect and analyze. We cross reference these data with toxicity studies in scientific and medical literature, and look at upcoming regulatory changes. The water filters that we build for people who live in Glendale are optimized with these figures in mind.

Source Of Glendale Drinking Water

In 2016, 65% of Glendale’s water was purchased from the Metropolitan Water District, after being imported and treated from Northern California and the Colorado River. The remaining 35% comes from local groundwater sources extracted from the Verdugo and San Fernando Basins. In addition, 7% of total water used in 2016 was recycled water delivered by the Los Angeles-Glendale Water Reclamation Plant, though this water is only used for irrigation and industrial purposes.

Arsenic In Glendale Drinking Water

Arsenic is a toxic heavy metal that is known to cause cancer and other health issues. Unlike lead, which distributes into water from plumbing, arsenic comes from the source water itself. While the city of Glendale's water quality is in compliance with EPA water quality standards, it’s important to point out that EPA’s standard balances the toxicity against the costs of removing arsenic from drinking water. The most recent City of Glendale water report revealed that the water from the Jensen plant had average arsenic levels of 3.1 parts per billion, while the Glendale Treatment Plant had up to 1.6 parts per billion. We recommend that anyone with more than 1 part per billion take steps to remove arsenic from their water, especially if there are children in the home.

Extremely High Chromium 6 Levels In Glendale Drinking Water

Chromium 6 is a highly toxic metal that is not currently regulated by the EPA, and is only loosely regulated at the state level. In the most recent water quality data, the Glendale Treatment Plant averaged 5300 parts per trillion of chromium 6, with a maximum measured concentration of 6400 parts per trillion. To put it in perspective, these levels are 265 and 320 times higher than the concentration determined to have negligible impact on cancer risk.

Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs) In Glendale Drinking Water

DBPs are a category of emerging contaminants that form when chlorine-based disinfectants react with naturally-occurring organic matter. Although these chemicals are not currently regulated very well, the EPA website discloses that high levels of disinfection byproducts in drinking water are are associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer, as well as kidney, liver, and central nervous system problems.

Still Have Questions About Glendale Tap Water Or Water Quality In General?

Hydroviv is a water filtration company that uses water quality data to optimize water filters for each customer's water. The contaminants that we list above are what we consider to be major “points of emphasis” that we use to build water filters that are built specifically for Glendale, but our filters provide broad protection against a wide range of contaminants found in Glendale's tap water, including VOCs, pesticides, lead, and mercury.

If you’re interested in learning more about water filters that have been optimized for Glendale's water, or just have questions about water quality in general, feel free to visit www.hydroviv.com, reach out by email (hello@hydroviv.com) or through our live chat. We also frequently post water-related news on Twitter or Facebook. We pride ourselves in being a reputable source of information on water quality, and your questions will be answered by scientists, not salespeople (we don't have any salespeople on staff).

Please Share This City of Glendale Water Quality Article On Social Media With Anyone You Think Would Benefit From The Information!

Emma Schultz M.S.  |  Scientific Contributor
**Updated July 31, 2019 to include current data

We've updated our assessment of Lexington drinking water to include the most current data. Our Water Nerds aggregated water quality test data from Kentucky American Water, the water provider for Lexington, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as well as from samples that we collect and analyze.  e cross reference contaminant data with toxicity studies in the scientific and medical literature, and look at upcoming regulatory changes. The water filters that we sell in Lexington are optimized with these issues in mind.

Lexington's Drinking Water Sources

Lexington tap water is sourced from surface water. Water comes from the Kentucky River where it runs through Owen County south of Lexington, and from the Jacobson Reservoir, which is located in Fayette County. According to source water assessments, the Kentucky River is most vulnerable to contamination from agricultural runoff, while the Jacobson Reservoir is most vulnerable to urban storm water runoff.

Chromium 6 Levels In Lexington Tap Water

Chromium 6 is a highly toxic metal that is not presently regulated by the EPA. Lexington's tap and drinking water quality has recently averaged 76 parts per trillion for chromium 6. These levels are nearly 4 times higher than the concentration determined to have a negligible impact on cancer risk.

Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs) In Lexington Drinking Water

Disinfection byproducts (DBPs) are halogenated emerging contaminants that occur when chlorine-based disinfectants are added to the water supply and subsequently combine with naturally-occurring organic matter. These chemicals are not well-regulated, but the EPA has stated that they have been linked to increased risks of bladder cancer, and kidney, liver, and central nervous system problems. The highest level detected in Lexington drinking water was 110 parts per billion, which exceeds the 80 part per billion Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) The highest level of haloacetic acids was 54.2 parts per billion, which is just under the MCL of 60 parts per billion. 

Chloramine Is Used To Disinfect Lexington Tap Water

Although most cities use chlorine as their primary disinfectant, Lexington’s water is disinfected with chloramine, which is generated by combining chlorine and ammonia. Chloramine is often responsible for what customers report as the “bad taste”of tap water, and, unlike with chlorine, this taste does not dissipate if water is left in the fridge overnight. Most one-size-fits-all water filters use filtration media that doesn’t successfully remove the chloramine taste, but the filters that Hydroviv builds for Lexington use special filtration media purpose-built to remove chloramine.

Still Have Questions About Lexington Tap Water?

Hydroviv is a water filtration company that uses water quality data to optimize water filters for each city’s water. The chemicals that we list above (lead) are part of what we take into consideration when we optimize water filters specifically for Lexington tap water, but all of our water filters provide broad protection against other contaminants commonly found in drinking water (e.g. VOCs, heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, solvents, pesticides, mercury).

If you’re interested in learning more about water filters that have been optimized for Lexington tap water, feel free to visit www.hydroviv.com, reach out by email (hello@hydroviv.com) or through our live chat. We also frequently post water-related news on Twitter or Facebook.

Please Share This Lexington Drinking Water Quality Article On Social Media With Anyone You Think Would Benefit From The Information!

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Kezia Snipe  |  Hydroviv Research Analyst
Updated May 14, 2021 to include current available data

We've updated our assessment of Indianapolis drinking water to include the most recent available data. Our Water Nerds used data from Citizens Energy Group (the water provider for Indianapolis), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as well as from samples that we collect and analyze. Our team then uses these data and cross references toxicity studies in scientific and medical literature. The water filters that we build for our customers in Indianapolis are optimized with this information in mind.

Source Of Indianapolis Drinking Water

Indianapolis gets water from a variety of sources. The White River supplies two of the four plants (White River and White River North). Geist Reservoir supplies water for the Fall Creek Treatment Plant. Eagle Creek Reservoir supplies water to the T.W. Moses Treatment Plant. Supplementary groundwater is also available depending on service areas. 

Pesticides & Volatile Organic Compounds In Indianapolis Tap Water

In the most recent water quality data, Indianapolis disclosed the detection of Atrazine, 2,4-D, Simazine, Xylenes, and Toluene. These chemicals typically contaminate drinking water from agricultural and industrial runoff. While the disclosed levels are low, they are easily removed by a properly designed water filter.

Lead In Indianapolis Drinking Water

Lead enters tap water through older lead service pipes and lead-containing plumbing. When corrosion control measures put in place by the municipality fail (like what recently happened in Flint, Michigan), lead leaches into the drinking water, and can reach dangerous levels. Currently, 10% of samples analyzed for lead in Indianapolis are over 7.7 parts per billion. While the city is currently in compliance with federal regulations, EPA, CDC, and American Academy of Pediatrics both acknowledge that there is no safe level of lead, and federal regulations do not take into account levels measured at an individual tap. 

Chromium 6 In Indianapolis Drinking Water

Chromium 6 is a highly toxic metal that is not currently regulated by the EPA. In recent years, Indianapolis tap water has averaged 80 parts per trillion for Chromium 6. To put it in perspective, these levels are 4 times higher than the concentration determined to have negligible impact on cancer risk.

Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs) In Indianapolis Drinking Water

Disinfection byproducts (DBPs) are a category of emerging contaminants that form when chlorine-based disinfectants react with naturally-occurring organic matter. Although these chemicals are not currently regulated very well, the EPA has disclosed that they are associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer, as well as kidney, liver, and central nervous system problems.

Chlorine In Indianapolis Drinking Water

Like many other municipalities in the United States, Indianapolis injects its water with chlorine to protect against waterborne illness. While not typically considered to be harmful on its own, many people find that removing chlorine from drinking water greatly enhances its taste and odor.

Still Have Questions About Indianapolis Tap Water?

Hydroviv is a water filtration company that uses water quality data to optimize water filters for each city’s water. The chemicals that we list above are what we consider to be “points of emphasis” so we can build the best water filters for Indianapolis tap water, but all of our water filters provide broad protection against other contaminants commonly found in drinking water (e.g. VOCs, heavy metals [including lead], pharmaceuticals, solvents, pesticides, mercury).

If you’re interested in learning more about water filters that have been optimized for Indianapolis tap water, please check out www.hydroviv.com, reach out to one of our water nerds by email (hello@hydroviv.com) or through our live chat. We also frequently post water-related news on Twitter or Facebook.

Please Share This Indianapolis Water Article On Social Media With Anyone You Think Would Benefit From The Information!

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Eric Roy, Ph.D.  |  Scientific Founder 

Since a local news story broke about high levels of chromium 6 (also known as hexavalent chromium) in Houston's tap water (which serves about 2.2 million people), we've been getting a lot of questions about chromium 6. The goal of this Houston water contamination article is to speak to the science, comment on the current federal regulations, and to give Houston residents practical advice on how to reduce their exposure to Chromium 6.

Why Should I Care About Chromium 6 In Drinking Water?

Chromium 6 is a highly toxic form of chromium that is known to cause cancer in humans. It contaminates drinking water supplies through wastewater discharge from industries including: steel production, leather tanning, textile manufacturing, wood preservation, and electroplating. In more popular culture, it was the chemical made famous by Erin Brockovich, whose story was made into a movie starring Julia Roberts. To be clear, chromium 6 is NOT the same thing as chromium 3 (also known as trivalent chromium)

How High Are Chromium 6 Levels In Houston's Tap Water?

Houston's tap water chromium 6 levels are very high, 3rd highest of major US cities, behind only Phoenix and St. Louis. The 3 year average for Houston's drinking water supply is just under 750 parts per trillion, peaking at 6500 parts per trillion. To put it in perspective, these levels are roughly 35-300 times higher than the 20 part per trillion concentration established using criteria widely cited by scientists and doctors for negligible risk.

Is Houston In Violation Of Federal Regulations?

Even though it is a known carcinogen, the US EPA does not currently regulate chromium 6. Instead, EPA lumps highly toxic chromium 6 into the same category as chromium 3 (a form of chromium that is an essential dietary nutrient). Because chromium 6 is unregulated, water contaminated with high levels is considered "compliant" with federal regulations. This is absurd.

Are These High Levels Due To A Recent Temporary Spike In Chromium 6?

No. The local and nationwide stories are shining a light on a longstanding and ignored problem.

How Can Houston Residents Reduce Their Exposure To Chromium 6?

The only way to remove the chromium 6 from Houston's drinking water is to filter it out with a water filter that is designed to remove chromium 6 or reverse osmosis. Boiling or freezing water does not remove chromium 6.

As always, we encourage people to take advantage of our "Help No Matter What" approach to technical support. Our water quality experts will help you solve your problem, even if you have no intention of buying a Hydroviv Water Filter for your home.

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